Sometimes France sends Russia signals that it wants to resolve the problems that have arisen, but it does so “in whispers“, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. His words were published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reports Focus.
Lavrov made the statement during a ceremony at which he presented the Order of Friendship to Emmanuel Kidd, chairman of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The award was presented by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“It is an honor to present you with this order. You uphold the friendship between the Russian and French people, despite the sharp and often hostile Russophobic rhetoric that we hear almost daily from Paris“, Lavrov said. He added that the French authorities sometimes give signals of readiness for dialogue, but do so covertly, without an official position.
“It is sad that a simplified and crude explanation of what is happening around Ukraine is being instilled in French public opinion“, the minister stressed.
Lavrov praised Kidd for his long-standing work in support of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as for his efforts to preserve historical memory and promote understanding.
“Until 2022, we called you a great friend of Russia, but this term is already morally obsolete - you are a citizen of the Russian Federation. This allows you to work even more effectively for the noble goals you set for yourself“, Lavrov noted.
He also emphasized that a number of French companies have remained on the Russian market despite international pressure and difficulties, partly thanks to Kidd's efforts to protect their legitimate interests and contractual relations.
“I am convinced that they made the right choice - including because of your commitment“, Lavrov concluded.